This is a historic first that could potentially revolutionize telecommunications in Canada. Bell, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, has successfully completed the very first space-based voice call directly to a regular cell phone. This remarkable demonstration, carried out in New Brunswick over the summer, was not limited to voice alone: video calls, data streaming, and text messages were also successfully tested via orbiting satellites.
A connection that now transcends borders
The real revolution of this technology? It works with standard smartphones, without any modifications.
Imagine being able to make a call or stream content from the most remote areas of Canada, as if you were in the city center. This is exactly what this innovation promises, potentially transforming life for northern communities, workers in remote regions, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark McDonald, Bell’s Chief Technology Officer, does not hide his excitement: “Our strategic investment in AST SpaceMobile uniquely positions us to deliver reliable space-based service.” On AST SpaceMobile’s side, Chris Ivory highlights the potential “to revolutionize connectivity in Canada and beyond.”
Commercial deployment of this technology is scheduled for 2026, with coverage spanning 5.7 million square kilometers, from coastal areas up to north of the 59th parallel. A true communication network that could finally erase the “white zones” from Canada’s map.
